GUSE vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GUSE (Goldman Sachs Enhanced U.S. Equity ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GUSE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Goldman Sachs, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GUSE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

GUSE vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Enhanced U.S. Equity ETF (GUSE) and FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GUSE achieves a 9.12% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.84% return.

GUSE

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: -0.47%
• YTD: 9.12%
• 6M: 8.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 3.84%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GUSE vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GUSE Goldman Sachs Enhanced U.S. Equity ETF	9.12%	2.38%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.84%	1.60%

Correlation

The correlation between GUSE and BUFX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

GUSE vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Enhanced U.S. Equity ETF (GUSE) and FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

GUSE vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUSE drawdown since its inception was -8.54%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUSE and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUSE	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.54%	-2.87%	-5.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.95%	-0.59%	-2.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.42%	-0.24%	-1.18%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GUSE	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.29%	4.05%	+10.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.29%	4.05%	+10.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.29%	4.05%	+10.24%

GUSE vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUSE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUSE vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

GUSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.67%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
GUSE Goldman Sachs Enhanced U.S. Equity ETF	0.67%	0.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUSE and BUFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, GUSE and BUFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, GUSE or BUFX?

On fees, GUSE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GUSE or BUFX?

GUSE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GUSE or BUFX?

GUSE has the higher dividend yield at 0.67%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between GUSE and BUFX?

GUSE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for GUSE and 0.96% for BUFX.